Final answer:
Vital capacity (VC) is the maximum amount of air a person can inhale or exhale during a respiratory cycle. It is calculated by summing up the tidal volume (TV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV). The residual volume (RV) is not included in the calculation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vital capacity (VC) is a measurement of the maximum amount of air a person can inhale or exhale during a respiratory cycle.
It is calculated by summing up the tidal volume (TV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV). The residual volume (RV) is not included in the calculation of vital capacity.